Getting there
Direct trains from Luxembourg Central to Clervaux run every hour on the northern line to Liège, taking about 60 minutes. Free. The station is a 10-minute uphill walk from the castle — follow the signposted zigzag path or take bus 663 (2 stops).
Family of Man
The Family of Man exhibition ($6, open 12:00-18:00 Wednesday-Sunday) inside Clervaux Castle displays 503 photographs curated by Luxembourg-born Edward Steichen for MoMA in 1955. UNESCO added it to the Memory of the World register in 2003. Allow 90 minutes to see it properly — the layout leads you through birth, childhood, work, war, and death across 68 countries.
The castle also has free-entry exhibits on the Battle of the Bulge (Clervaux was destroyed in December 1944) and a scale model collection of Luxembourg castles.
Around Clervaux
The Benedictine Abbey of St. Maurice sits above town — a 25-minute uphill walk with a free crypt open 08:00-18:00 where monks still sing Gregorian chants at 11:00. Lunch at Restaurant Le Claravallis on Grand-Rue serves $16 daily menus. For photographers, the Ferrari-red retro Clervaux photography benches scattered around town make quirky portraits.
Good to know
What is the Family of Man exhibition?+
A landmark 1955 photography show curated by Edward Steichen with 503 images from 273 photographers across 68 countries, permanently installed at Clervaux since 1994.
Is Clervaux worth the trip?+
Yes if photography or WWII history interest you. The Ardennes scenery on the train ride is a bonus.
Can I combine Clervaux with Vianden?+
Difficult in one day — they’re on different valleys. Bus 663 from Clervaux to Vianden takes 90 minutes with two changes.
When is Family of Man closed?+
Mondays and Tuesdays year-round, plus mid-January to early March annually. Verify before travel.